Category Archives: fashion

The 1930s post

In the 1930s (and perhaps a little bit on either side of this decade) it is very common to see a) the sequinned sari and b) plain sarees with gold borders. In some cases these are fine silks and cottons … Continue reading

Posted in 1930s, Actor, Bollywood, Colonial, Culture, Early 20th Century, fashion, Indian Dress, Indian Women, Sari, Sari Blouse, South India, Vintage Blouse, vintage fashion, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Parsis Post

I mentioned in previous posts that Jnanadanandini was influenced by the blouse and sari style of Parsi women in Bombay. Here are a few examples.  Most have “ribbon border” sari with motifs on the ribbon is quite common in Parsi … Continue reading

Posted in British Raj, Colonial, Dress Reform, Early 20th Century, Edwardian, fashion, Indian Dress, Late 19th century, Paintings, Sari, Sari Blouse, Victorian, Vintage, Vintage Blouse, vintage fashion, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Village Post

Achhut Kanya was directed by Franz Osten and shot in the Bombay Talkies studio on Europeanized sets of a typical Indian village. It has been cloned times without number ever since in Hindi films.The Indian village, in its romanticized image … Continue reading

Posted in Bollywood, Early 20th Century, fashion, History, Indian Cinema, Indian Dress, Old Bollywood, Rural, Sari, Sari Blouse, Village, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Tumblr 3

  Mothers and Daughters-1 MS Subbulakshmi (MS) was one of India’s most famous and celebrated singers. Her mother, Shanmugavadivu (note that the S in MS is her mother’s name) was a famous veena player. Pic 1 is of her mother, Pic … Continue reading

Posted in Early 20th Century, fashion, Indian Dress, Indian Singers, Indian Women, Music, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, Women | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Hair Post

Simple Braids, Updos and flowers in her hair. All at tumblr.  

Posted in 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 20th century, Ancient India, Early 20th Century, fashion, Flowers, Hair, Tumblr | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

1925 – Karachi and Kolkota

Saris in the 1920s on either side of the subcontinent 1) A Parsi family in 1925 Karachi and 2) A Calcutta Cup Race where “horses take second place to fashion” (from the film Calcutta Topical No 1-1925) . The pallu is worn … Continue reading

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The Ancient India Post

Rather just a look at 2 early 20th century paintings recreating the era. From dawn until late into the night I worked. By day I copied the parts of the wall that were well lit, and by night I shifted on to … Continue reading

Posted in Ancient India, Art, Bengal, Colonial, Costume, Courtesan, Culture, Dance, Dancer, Early 20th Century, fashion, Indian Dress, Paintings, Vintage, Vintage Dress, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Nine Yard Sari

I did a couple of posts on the nine yard sari.  Almost impossible to trace a cohesive history with my limited research. But that does not mean one can’t appreciate the style as is! A bit on the nine yard … Continue reading

Posted in 19th century, Art, Colonial, Culture, Early 20th Century, fashion, Indian Dress, Paintings, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, Women | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Ruth Prawer Jhabvala

Ruth Prawer Jhabvala (d 3 April 2013) is probably better known for her collaboration with Merchant-Ivory on their period dramas.  But early on the trio made a number of movies set in India based on Jhabvala’s books/scripts. A few pics from the 1960s. … Continue reading

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The 70s Post

A little bit on the 70s-era of Khatau Terene, Bombay Dyeing Polyester, 70s prints and little matchy blouses made of rubia or 2 by 2 fabric. And a bit on the middle of the road cinema and its fashions in … Continue reading

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